Attraction: West Rim Trail

One of the longest trails in the park, West Rim Trail climbs out of Zion Canyon from the Grotto shuttle stop/picnic area and crosses Horse Pasture Plateau to Lava Point Trailhead in 13.3 miles. Connecting trails continue all the way to the Kolob Canyons. Strong hikers who have arranged a car shuttle could hike the trail in one long daymost easily from Lava Point Trailheadthough an overnight stay at one of the backcountry campsites will allow time for exploration and side trips along the way. The park's Backcountry Planner, available on the Web site, has a lot of useful information, including permit details and a map with trails and camping areas. Temperatures tend to be 10 to 15 degrees cooler in the high country, where snow covers the trail December to April. Late spring and autumn offer the best hiking conditions.